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LIVES OF
Meaning & Purpose
Thiel College
75 College Avenue Greenville, Pennsylvania 16125 800-248-4435 • www.thiel.edu CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Barry D. Stamm, M.D. ’70 PRESIDENT Susan Traverso, Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & DEAN OF THE COLLEGE Liz Frombgen, Ph.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR COLLEGE ADVANCEMENT Roberta Leonard VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE, DEAN OF STUDENTS & TITLE IX COORDINATOR Michael McKinney ’02 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Richard Orr DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Amy Schafer SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT Bob Schmoll VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Ashley Josay Zullo
The Bell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Richard Orr EDITOR Dominick DiRienzo CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caleb McCracken Jacob Morgan ’19 Shannon Baker ’18 Ed Topoleski ’02 John Hauser ’71 CLASS NOTES David Hummel ’83 PHOTOGRAPHY Leary Studios Ed Mailliard Karin McKenna
Allen Morrill Michael McElroy Sports Information
DESIGN Group 2, Pittsburgh PRINTER Knepper Press, Pittsburgh The Bell is published in the spring and fall by the Office of Communications and Marketing, Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125. Publication inquiries should be sent to aforementioned address, in care of the Editor-in-Chief. For Class Notes and address changes, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@thiel.edu or fax to 724-589-2860. Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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LIV ES OF
Meaning & Purpose On the Cover Many Thiel College alumni are living out the school’s mission to find meaning and purpose in their life.
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Table of Contents Social Media Updates
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Campus Highlights
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Student & Faculty News
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Commencement 2018
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y
Lives of Meaning and Purpose
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Athletics 20 A Word from the Director of Alumni Relations
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Board Profile
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Final Word
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni and Friends, The theme of meaningful work has been a centerpiece on campus this year. Reading groups—supported by funding from the Lily Foundation—engaged faculty and staff in conversation about Thiel’s mission to develop students for “careers and lives of meaning and purpose.” In January, the College invited two leaders in higher education, Julie Massey and Daniel Deffenbaugh, Ph.D., as part of a summit on vocation. The campus also launched a new tradition this spring, the “What Matters to Me and Why” lecture and dinner. I was honored to deliver this inaugural talk and enjoyed sharing—through stories about my parents—the beliefs and values that have guided my life and career. Whether understood as a “calling” or as an unfolding sense of purpose across a lifetime, the blessing of seeing one’s work as having meaning inspires excellence and service to the greater good. The focus of meaningful work dovetailed with a year-long exploration of interfaith understanding, as we considered how different faith traditions give meaning to concepts of purpose, service and faith. In March, Buddhist Monk Ryuun Joriki Baker shared his thoughts with campus at presentations, special meals and meditations. A month later, we hosted Rev. Dr. Munib Younan, Bishop Emeritus from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. These featured speakers, together with the interfaith programs last fall, highlighted the diversity of religious perspectives and traditions, enriching the educational programs at Thiel. For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, poet and activist Natasha Miller returned to campus to perform readings of her work and participate in an array of activities, and photographer and storyteller John Noltner documented students’ notions of peace and photographed them for his ongoing book and multimedia projects on the subject. Like the Interfaith speakers, these speakers shared their commitment to strengthening understanding across differences.
On Founders’ Day, we honored two extraordinary community leaders, Tom Roberts and Michael P. Walton. They received the Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award for their leadership with the Hope Center for Arts and Technology. HopeCAT is an innovative community center, located in Sharon and modeled after Manchester Bidwell Corporation in Pittsburgh. The College looks forward to developing a collaborative partnership with HopeCAT as it provides arts programs to underserved youth and vocational training to adults. Honors Convocation was moved to February so we could recognize first-year students for their accomplishments during the fall semester along with our other high-achieving students. It was a joy to see the enthusiasm of the first-year students as they were honored along with their peers. Butler Institute of American Art Executive Director Louis Zona, Ph.D. H’18 was the keynote speaker for Convocation and was given an honorary degree. The Commencement address by Donald Kraybill, Ph.D. H’18 wove together the themes of the year. A nationallyrecognized expert on the Amish, Kraybill shared his thoughts on the importance of interfaith understanding, historically and in our diverse global world. With so many Amish neighbors near Thiel, Kraybill’s observations were a fitting capstone to the year-long exploration of interfaith understanding on campus. He was recognized with an honorary degree, as was Shirley Roels, Ph.D. H’18 for her leadership of the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, a distinctive program supported by the Council of Independent Colleges. Throughout this issue of The Bell, you will see examples of community members who take their vocation seriously in their lives and careers. They have some incredible stories. Some unfolding still at Thiel, and many others reaching across a lifetime.
Susan Traverso, Ph.D. 20th President of Thiel College
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S TAY I N TO U C H W I T H
THIEL COLLEGE
Two beloved icons with Thiel connections popular with students and social media Professor David Miller Class of 1961
Fred Rogers
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Letters to the editor Thiel College welcomes feedback regarding The Bell. Letters must contain a contact number (not for publication, but to allow for verification of the sender). Letters can be mailed to Thiel College Office of Communications and Marketing, 75 College Avenue, Greenville, PA 16125; or emailed to pr@thiel.edu. Due to the volume of correspondence, we are unable to respond to or publish all mail received. Letters accepted for publication may be edited for length and clarity.
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CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
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Contribution to academic pursuits and organizations sets the stage for our students to participate in their communities during and after their time at Thiel. Kathy Frantz, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry and Alpha Chi Adviser
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FAC U LT Y & S T U D E N T
NEWS
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faculty news
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Borgia-Askey presents on teaching social justice movements Assistant Professor of English Melissa Borgia-Askey, Ph.D., spoke at the 2018 Conference on College Composition and Communication annual convention in Kansas City, Mo. in mid-March. Borgia-Askey presented “All Our Relations: Teaching Social Justice Movements.” She co-represented the American Indian Caucus and was joined by the Queer Caucus, the Arab/Muslim Special Interest Group and the Latinx Caucus.
Thiel College named an ‘It’s On Us’ grant winner Thiel College hosted students, employees and friends of the College in early April to outline how the money from its $30,000 “It’s On Us PA” grant will be used to raise awareness for ending sexual harassment and violence. Members of the campus community were urged to take action by making a personal commitment to keep men and women safe from sexual violence by pledging to be an active bystander.
Psychology faculty attends national conference; Pickens’ work singled out for research quality Four members of the Department of Psychology at Thiel College presented at the 40th annual National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology in St. Petersburg, Fla. Faculty members Shannon Len Deets, Ph.D., Kristel, M. Gallagher, Ph.D., Natalie L. Homa, Ph.D., and Laura R.G. Pickens, Ph.D. ’06 were among the 375 attendees at the event. The institute is the premier national venue to present work on the scholarship of teaching and learning.
President for Student Life and Dean of Students Mike McKinney ’02; Professor of Sociology and Study Abroad Coordinator Cynthia Sutton, Ph.D.; and Assistant Professor of Communication Ross Nugent will represent Thiel College. The Institute helps faculty members and administrators learn about research and best practices that enable students to understand issues of diversity, civility and the causes of social unrest.
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Maxwell and Fenton recognized in Record-Argus for good Samaritan efforts Jayson Maxwell ’19 (left) and Peircen Fenton ’21 (right) were profiled in February in the Greenville Record-Argus for stopping at the scene of a minor car crash and aiding the driver. The Thiel pair helped the driver to their car and drove him to a garage so he could have his vehicle towed. Once they were assured the driver was OK, they left without giving their names. The family of the crash victim were so happy someone had helped, they turned to social media to see if they could find out who stopped and thank them. “Peircen and Jayson are the kind of caring, connected and thoughtful students found at Thiel,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “Seeing someone in distress, they leapt into action to help. Once the scene had been secured, they departed quietly without seeking any more attention. We salute their efforts and take great pride that they are members of our campus community.” Maxwell, of Newport, N.Y., is an environmental science major and a 2016 graduate of Notre Dame (N.Y.) JuniorSenior High School. Fenton, of Greenville, Pa., is an early education and special education major and a 2017 graduate of Greenville (Pa.) High School.
College among a select group chosen for inaugural diversity and civility institute Thiel College was one of 26 institutions selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in the inaugural Diversity, Civility, and the Liberal Arts Institute to be held in Atlanta on June 3-6. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Liz Frombgen, Ph.D.; Vice
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FAC U LT Y & S T U D E N T
NEWS
Three students participated in prestigious Pennsylvania intercollegiate band festival Three student-musicians at Thiel College participated in the 71st Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Concert in February. Representing Thiel College were * Cassie Gray ’20 (flute), of Leechburg, Pa. She is a conservation biology major and a 2016 graduate of Leechburg Area High School.
* Katherine Orczeck ’18 (tuba), of Roaring Spring, Pa.
She is a business administration and accounting major and a 2014 graduate of Central (Pa.) High School.
* Alexandra Pantone ’18 (alto saxophone), of Pittsburgh,
Pa. She is a secondary education/math major and a 2014 graduate of Baldwin (Pa.) High School.
Three students traveling internationally after being selected for the Vira I. Heinz scholarship Three Thiel College students will be making their first international trips this summer after they were selected for the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership. The scholarship is offered to women with at
FOUNDERS’ DAY STAFF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS Kim Braden ’01, of Springboro, Pa., payroll specialist/ HR assistant Tom Jones, of Greenville, Pa., public safety Captain Mario Marini ’91, of Greenville, Pa., director of special and planned giving
Mike Mason, of Transfer, Pa., computer and A/V technician Stacey Yake, of Greenville, Pa., student accounts supervisor
S e e mo Thiel C re news in the ollege N ewsroo www.th m! iel.edu/ newsroo m
least a 3.0 GPA, who have never traveled outside of the United States previously. Thiel College is one of the 14 colleges included in the program. Tanyra Williams ’19 (left), of Cleveland, Ohio; Samantha Kurchena ’20 (center), of Bridgeville, Pa.; and Quinn Ursprung ’20 (right), of Bel Air, Md., will each receive $5,000 from the Heinz Endowments to fund their study abroad experiences.
Schul wins $10,000 scholarship from Sigma Kappa President of Thiel College’s Sigma Kappa Chapter Annika Schul ’19 was awarded a $10,000 Elizabeth Hunt Curfman Scholarship by the Sigma Kappa Foundation Grants Committee. The scholarship will be split evenly over the 2018-2019 academic year. Schul is an early childhood education and special education major from State College, Pa.
FOUNDERS’ DAY DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARDS DISTINGUISHED ADJUNCT: Karen Kollar, of Clark, Pa., Adjunct Professor of English DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR: Russell B. Richins, Ph.D., of Greenville, Pa., Assistant Professor of Math and Computer Science, Department Chair DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: James C. Koshan, Ph.D., of Hermitage, Pa., Professor of History, Department Chair
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DISTINGUISHED TEACHER: Kristel M. Gallagher, Ph.D., of Hermitage, Pa., Assistant Professor of Psychology DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR: Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D., of Greenville, Pa., Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Department Chair
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COMMENCEMENT 2018
Commencement speakers offer words of humility and wonder to 2,000+ attendees
“ “Keep your wonder”
said senior orator Alison Schemrich ’18
About 2,000 friends and family of the graduates along with Thiel College faculty and staff attended the 144th Commencement Exercises where they were encouraged by internationally-recognized expert in the Amish and Mennonite traditions Donald Kraybill, Ph.D. H’18, to be humble while senior orator Alison Schemrich ’18 urged the graduates to maintain their child-like wonder.
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Exercises were held in the William A. Passavant Center on Sunday, May 6. Kraybill also was awarded an honorary degree, as was Shirley Roels, Ph.D. H’18. Roels has directed the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, a set of more than 200 U.S. colleges and universities supported by the Lily Foundation that together engage their institutions in the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation.
Kraybill spoke first telling the audience to seek understanding.
During the Exercises, former Thiel College Professor of English Mark DelMaramo, Ph.D., was granted faculty emeritus status. DelMaramo passed away in 2017 from cancer. He had taught at Thiel College for more than 25 years.
“You can make a difference if you pursue reconciliation with a spirit of humility. You can make a difference if you embrace people with genuine respect and dignity,” Kraybill said. “The ancient Jewish prophet Micah, (gave) words of advice that come rolling down through many centuries, ‘Do justice; love mercy; and walk humbly with your God.”
“Socrates said ‘Wonder is the beginning of wisdom,’” Schemrich said. “We must never let the trials of life strip away things that inspire us, encourage us, and keep us loving life. As actor Charlie Chaplin said, ‘You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.’ Let’s keep looking up and finding that rainbow.”
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Sisters Cara Baker ’16 and Shannon Baker ’18
Legacies Celebrate Tradition
Wayne Eakin ’88 and stepdaughter Alison Schemrich ’18
Parents, Shawn Orczek ’87 and Laura (Werner) Orczeck ’88, and daughters, Katherine Orczeck ’18 and Jessica Orczeck ’19
Pictured L-R: Crystal Carradine ’18, Tina Kramer ’18, Kyle Marini ’18, Samuel Sesti III ’18, John Thiel ’18, and Hanna Todaro ’18 were valedictorians for 2018. Nicholas Sarratori ’18 was salutatorian.
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Houpt family: mother Elizabeth (Sedor) Houpt ’84, grandmother Patricia G. (Gates) Houpt ’83, father Andrew Houpt ’85, Lucas Houpt ’18 and brother Nathan Houpt ’14.
Sisters Deanna Shaw ’18 and Keisha Shaw ’13
The first class of The Emerson A. Baughman, Agnes F. Baughman and David E. Baughman Endowed Scholarship recipients graduated in May. Pictured from L-R: Kyle Marini ’18; Melissa Allen ’18; long-time friend of David E. Baughman, Dorothy Armour; Christian McElhaney ’18; Samantha McLaughlin ’18 and Josh Consider ’18.
Cory Jackson ’89 and daughters Brittany Jackson ’19 and Lacy Jackson’18
Completing a promise he made to his mother, who has since passed away, Greg Stringer ’18 completed his Associate of Arts degree this spring and walked across the stage at Commencement. Stringer attended Thiel in the 1980s.
See more photos from Commencement online at http://bit.ly/tccommencementflickr2018 Relive the 144th Commencement Exercises by watching at http://bit.ly/TCcommencement2018live . . . S P R I N G/S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 . . .
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LIVES OF
Meaning & Purpose “
“Thiel is a place where lives can be transformed.” Jamie Ulrich ’18 (left), Robert Thompson ’18 (center left), and Dustin Slomainy ’18 (center right) talk with Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06 in front of campus. The three new graduates and Reinsel are all members of the 15,000-plus member Thiel alumni network. 10
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Thiel College, a hub for leading lives of meaning and purpose for students, the community and region Thiel College’s central mission is helping students find meaning and purpose, not just professionally, but across all facets of their life. While the College’s primary focus is educating and preparing enrolled students, the mission of Thiel also makes an impact that reaches from elementary school students who attend camps and conferences, to retired community residents who can take classes at no charge. “Thiel is a place where lives can be transformed,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “Mostly people think about our students learning, evolving and graduating, but we have a long tradition as a resource for the entire community.” “True to our mission of helping our students find meaning and purpose in their professional and personal life, we are also a portal to meaning and purpose for our staff and faculty and community members of all ages to find meaning and purpose.” See Founders’ Day award winners on Page 7. Dean Poolos, M.D. ’49, retired from an internal medicine practice, appreciates classes in Thiel’s lifelong learning program. “My classes at Thiel are a wonderful experience,” Poolos said. “Being retired the past nine years, I have truly enjoyed classes in history, Russian history, religion and philosophy that I simply didn’t have time to take when
Greenville-area elementary school students attend Earth Day events at Thiel College in April.
I practiced medicine. I am surprised more people don’t take classes.” A Greenville native, Poolos earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Thiel, then a master’s in biochemistry from Cornell University and his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “A history class and a philosophy class really opened up many areas that I knew nothing about,” Poolos said. “I have always felt very welcomed in every class. The instructors and students are very willing to have me there.” Residents at nearby St. Paul’s Senior Living Community benefit from its collaboration with Thiel. The Joining Generations organization has three different components—internships, academics and student service—while several residents attend classes at Thiel. Thiel College also opens doors for high school and elementary school
students. The College offers students in Greenville, West Middlesex and Commodore Perry the chance to earn college credit in high school as part of its College in the High School program. Upcoming summer camps for academics and athletics will bring more students while elementary students are involved in annual Earth Week recognitions. The Hope Center for Arts and Technology is a burgeoning partnership with Thiel. The Sharonbased learning center focuses on industry-specific job training for unemployed and underemployed adults in the health-care industry, as well as cultural and learning opportunities for teenage youth in public schools. HopeCAT leaders Michael P. Walton and Tom Roberts were among award winners at Thiel’s annual Founders’ Day celebration earlier this year.
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LIVES OF MEANING & PURPOSE
F E AT U R E
ULRICH JOINING LIST OF ACCOMPLISHED RELIGION ALUMNI
Collaboration with HopeCAT showcases benefits of community partnerships
Jamie Ulrich ’18 will spend a year working as a program assistant at the Chicago offices of the Evangelical Church in America’s Justice for Women program. Following that service, the religion and youth ministry/theology major plans on attending seminary to receive her Master of Divinity and become an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Ulrich is one of the many successful religion majors in recent history.
From L-R: President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., Michael P. Walton, Tom Roberts and State Senator Michele Brooks at the Founders’ Day celebration.
* Melissa Allen ’18 was awarded
full merit scholarships to two ELCA seminaries: Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Luther Seminary.
* Joshua Kenst ’18 has been accepted
at Trinity Lutheran and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminaries.
* Audra Franley ’17 is attending Harvard Divinity School.
* Nathan Flory ‘17 is attending the University of Chicago Divinity School.
* Kathleen Kent ’16 was accepted to Masters programs at Harvard Divinity, Chicago Divinity, Vanderbilt Divinity, and Claremont Graduate School and is attending Vanderbilt University. * Liz Koerner ’16 was awarded a full
merit scholarship to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and is pursuing her Master of Divinity with an emphasis in interfaith studies.
* Kourtney Polvinale ’16 was accepted with the highest merit scholarship to Naropa University (Boulder, Colo.) to pursue a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling.
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Teaching pottery to children and medical terminology to adults might seem like disparate elements, but Michael P. Walton and Tom Roberts see an obvious connection. The pair were awarded the Louis and Barbara Thiel Award for their work with Hope Center for the Arts and Technology during Founders’ Day on Feb. 1. The center is a non-profit organization that offers adult job training and youth art opportunities. It offers a free Pennsylvania-licensed medical assistant program and is affiliated with the Manchester Bidwell School in Pittsburgh. As HopeCAT continues to grow—it moved into its Sharon location in the former Brookfield Elementary School in December 2017—its partnership with Thiel College is growing, too. • Plans call for a full-tuition scholarship to be awarded to a deserving student through HopeCAT in fall 2019. • The College is working with HopeCAT to facilitate student volunteers working at the center. Officials from both organizations said they are looking forward to the prospects of sharing their resources to offer life-changing opportunities to area residents. “A partnership creates pathways for students to attend Thiel, but also identifies opportunities for current college students that may want to volunteer or intern at HopeCAT,” Roberts said. “These collaborations will generate a meaningful network of support enhancing this region.”
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Parkers find joy in mentoring, giving career help Rich Parker ’82 and Sandy (Cotterman) Parker ’81 loved their Thiel College experience. The Meadville, Pa. couple says they found themselves and each other while at Thiel. “Thiel means so much to us that we want to give back as much as possible,” the couple said. The Parkers give back to Thiel by helping prepare students for the job market. Sandy and Rich spoke earlier this year at the first Ruth Miller Senior Business Seminar of the spring 2018 semester. The Parkers explained etiquette tips during the dinner portion of the class and followed with a discussion of professional and personal tips to help the students after graduation. “In January, before Rich spoke, we had an etiquette dinner led by Sandy Parker,” Luke Houpt ’18 said. “This was a learning experience for all of us because we never had formal etiquette training. We were taught how to eat various foods, table manners, and what foods to order/not to order while at a job interview. I cannot thank Rich and Sandy Parker enough for the professionalism and taking their time to come in and share their unique stories with our class.”
Sandy (Cotterman) Parker ’81 and Rich Parker ’82 returned to campus this spring to speak to students in the Ruth Miller Senior Business Seminar class of Professor of Economics and Business Administration and Norman P. Mortensen Chair of Economics David Miller ’61. Sandy is a retired vice president with PNC Bank while Rich was in pharmaceutical sales. “After retirement,” Sandy said, “I really wanted to stay active. I spoke with Professor David Miller ’61 in 2006, about my desire to give back, and we worked out the details.” “Since we prepare our students for interviewing, they have a significant advantage over other college students,
especially at the accounting consortium, where students compete to win spots with a lot of firms against a lot of other colleges. Enabling them to be competitive in the interview process, that’s what drives me,” Sandy said. The Parkers believe in their alma mater so much that they also donated a granite bench that sits on Brother Martin’s Walk near Roth Hall in remembrance of their time at Thiel.
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LIVES OF MEANING & PURPOSE
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Nathan Bissell ’02 creates special niche operating Ohio’s largest producer of maple syrup “ I’m Nate Bissell, and I’m a maple syrup farmer,” says Nate as a way of introduction. That is Nate’s motto. Nate was dubbed “Mr. Maple” in a 2016 Ohio Magazine article on his Bissell Maple Farm. A sixth-generation maple syrup producer, you might say Bissell has maple syrup in his blood. (Not literally, of course.) Bissell mixed a chemistry degree with some theater and business courses, involvement with the Haller Enterprise Institute, roles with Thiel Players, and playing quarterback on the junior varsity football team while at Thiel into what today is Ohio’s leading producer of maple syrup. Bissell has a maple farm and production plant in Ashtabula County.
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Keep up with what’s happening at the Bissell Maple Syrup farm at www.bissellmaplefarm.com. Nate Bissell also keeps a blog with updates on the site.
Nate credits several Thiel professors, including Dr. Bruce Armitage, Dr. Kathryn Franz, Dr. Emerson Heald, Prof. Jesse Ligo, Dr. Guru Khalsa, and Prof. David Miller ‘61, as well as football coach David Armstrong for assisting his career and personal development.
A theatre class brought out communication skills and also led to marriage. Nate and Kathy Jo (Divens) ’01 met and later married. They now live in Sharpsville, Pa. with their sons, Jonathan, Jared, and Benjamin. Kathy Jo teaches first grade at Sharpsville.
“To say the least, there aren’t too many maple syrup chemists around,” Bissell said with a wry chuckle. “I love what I do and use my college chemistry degree every day.”
Nate eventually earned an MBA from Youngstown State University and had chemistry careers with General Electric, Kroff, Inc., and Chemetall.
Every day Bissell uses a spectrophotometer (an analytical devise that measures light in the spectrum) that is similar to one that Dr. Armitage had him devise in a chemistry class.
Bissell, no doubt, has an impressive resume, but it’s the bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup that is his pride and joy. His skills and many trials in 2013 devised a triple barrelaging process while working with craft beer brewers.
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“To say the least, there aren’t too many maple syrup chemists around,” Bissell said with a wry chuckle. “I love what I do and use my college chemistry degree every day.”
“What is better than maple syrup?” Nate asks. “Bourbon. Barrel. Aged. Maple. Syrup.” “We have developed a proprietary process for producing small batch barrel aged maple syrup. Our company has the ability to produce consistent flavor highlighting the character of the maple syrup and bourbon, a truly unique Americanmade product. This has changed our company into one of the fastest growing maple syrup farms in the world.” Bissell’s chemistry background and industrial experience has enabled his company to break new ground and change the maple syrup industry. Bissell it is at the forefront of the maple syrup industry thanks to a great team.
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Students, alumnus team up to see class theory functioning in the real world John Thigpen ’86, the general manager at Ilsco Extrusions in Greenville, is connecting Thiel College students to the workforce in a way that combines his profession and his passion for the area and his industry. Students in the Operations Management class of Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Angelo Giannini spent the first three months of the spring 2018 semester at Ilsco Extrusions seeing how academic theory is put to work in the real world. “The Operations Management class has provided us with unique opportunities in both a classroom setting and handson experience,” accounting and business administration major Alex Streich ’19 said. “Going to Ilsco Co. has provided us with great opportunities in overseeing the internal operations of a manufacturing facility. We will be able to use this class and our experiences from it for years to come, as we embark on the beginnings of our young careers.” Thigpen sees the arrangement as mutually beneficial. Students get to see the real-world application of the theories they are learning about, and Thigpen exposes students to the industrial and manufacturing world as a potential destination for them post-graduation.
The class sessions at Ilsco are an opportunity to see manufacturing as a clean and viable industry for Thiel graduates, said Thigpen—an accounting and business administration department graduate who was named the 2017 Haller Entrepreneur of the Year. “There are going to be enormous opportunities for bright, young people to sprint to the corner office,” Thigpen said. The veteran businessman is an advocate for manufacturing and economic development in Mercer County. ILSCO Extrusions is an aluminum mill and business park that sits on 165 acres with almost 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. Once home to the world’s largest ladder manufacturer and then transformed into a more limited aluminum extrusion facility, the plant shut down in 2009 during the recession. Thigpen was the president of Signature Aluminum, the company that closed. His strong desire and plan to restart the Greenville site caught the interest of ILSCO Corporation and they purchased the idled plant in 2010. Since then, Thigpen has guided the company to seven years of increasing employment and success. The site has also diversified and become home to six companies that employ more than 350 people in fulltime positions. Thigpen is a director and officer at Penn Northwest, Mercer County’s lead economic development agency, and was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Northwest Industrial Resource Center in Erie, one of seven IRC’s in Pennsylvania.
“Unlike other institutions, Thiel provides students with a hands-on approach to learning. In Operations Management, our class traveled to Ilsco Co. twice a week for lectures and interactive tours within their facility,” Madalyn Harding ‘18 said. “This opportunity allowed us to experience the material we covered first hand, which gives us a better appreciation and understanding of manufacturing. Ilsco Co. gave us the means to build connections and grow as individuals while we continue on our journey as students.”
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Penguins executive discusses how new sports management track gives graduates a chance to combine professional, personal passion Kevin Hart ’86 is an accountant at heart. His title, however, has a little more star power as does one of his bosses, Mario Lemieux. Hart is senior vice president for finance for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hart did not set out to work in the billion-dollar sports industry. Even if the former Thiel College football player had a family history of working for an iconic Pittsburgh franchise, he never considered working in sports. “I thought I would be an accountant,” Hart said. “I guess I am an accountant who just happens to work with a sports franchise.” Hart’s father, Jack, was the long-time equipment manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers, including during their four Super Bowl wins in six years. While the Steelers were a dynasty during that time, professional sports were not quite the polished, international industry they are today. The changes in the professional sports industry have led Thiel College to add a sports management track to its business administration major. “The National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball are each multi-billion dollar enterprises. Factor in scholastic, collegiate, recreational and semi-pro opportunities with these professional institutions and
Kevin Hart ’86 is the senior vice president for finance for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
you can see the tremendous career possibilities that will be available for our graduates,” Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Liz Frombgen, Ph.D., said. “This program will build on the outstanding business base our graduates get and add the flexibility for them to combine their love of sport with fulfilling and rewarding professional endeavors.” The new track is another way the College is working to link graduates with their passions to create meaningful life and professional experiences. “In the 80s, when I was at Thiel working in pro sports wouldn’t have been a big hook. But the industry has changed significantly since I was in school,” Hart said. “(Today) it’s big business and recognized as big business.” As the profile of professional sports as a business has grown, so has its attractiveness as a career pursuit.
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The new track is another way the College is working to link graduates with their passions to create meaningful life and professional experiences. Hart said he frequently gets emails from students looking for advice on entering the sports administration workforce. For Hart, the desire to be an accountant came first and the opportunity to work for a sports franchise came later, but he understands the extra leg up having that background might give a graduate as he or she enters the workforce. “Most of Thiel’s competitors that have a (sports management) track are attracting students because of it. What high school kid doesn’t want to work in sports?” Hart said.
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LIVES OF MEANING & PURPOSE
F E AT U R E
History professor, students tracing Thiel’s military history In spring 2017, Professor of History and Associate Dean of the Core Curriculum David Buck, Ph.D., met with College Archivist John Hauser ’71 to discuss possible Thiel College Archives research projects for Buck’s fall 2017 Introduction to Historical Methods class. After completing research projects on Thiel’s buildings and retired professors, Buck was looking for a project that would focus on Thiel alumni. Since his wife works for the Department of Veterans Affairs and he knows several alumni who are veterans, Buck proposed that his class begin a history of Thiel College veterans. Hauser agreed this would be a worthy endeavor and they began organizing the project. The purpose of the project is to develop a historical record of the service of Thiel College alumni. “We hope to develop displays for Veterans Day, possibly alumni highlights in The Bell, and potentially
BY THE NUMBERS Number of military veterans with connections to Thiel College discovered by the Historical Methods class. Research is ongoing.
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AIR FORCE ARMY
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NAVY
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MARINES 18
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Dustin Slomainy ‘18 is the most recent Thiel College graduate with military ties. He re-enrolled this spring after serving his third stint with the U.S. Army Reserves.
a more permanent display to honor those who served,” Buck said. “We would like to eventually have students start collecting oral histories of veterans to be housed in the archives.” This project will be worked on over the next several years in Buck’s Historical Methods course. In fall 2017, the Historical Methods students were turned loose in the archives trying to locate references to Thiel alumni with military ties. This first group was assigned the years 1940-1990 to research in the archives. The students examined the student newspaper, The Thielensian; the yearbook, Endymion; alumni magazine, The Bell, alumni directories, and other alumni publications and scrapbooks housed in the Archives, and letters that Dean Herbert Gebert wrote to students in the military from 1943-45. The class contacted the College Advancement office and obtained a list of alumni whose names included a military rank.
Also, the class used social media in conjunction with the Alumni Relations Office and Communications and Marketing Office to gather more alumni veteran names. Finally, the students wrote letters to alumni requesting information about their service. The class identified 120 possible Thiel College veterans. Buck said he appreciated the efforts of students Matthew Crawford ’20, Chad Lenker ’20, Hans Meyers ’19, Angelo Nunnari ’20, Blake Peese ’19, Marissa Ramierez ’20 and Jeffery Staley ’19 on this project.
Next Steps In fall 2018, Buck will be on sabbatical. As part of his sabbatical, he will be developing a display for Veterans Day based on his students research as well as additional research he conducts in the archives. In spring 2019, the Historical Methods class will be back in the archives trying to locate more veteran records.
If you are a veteran or know a Thiel alum who served, please contact Dr. David Buck. He can be reached at dbuck@thiel.edu or 724-589-2248. We are looking for the following information: Name, Class Year, Military Branch, Rank, Years of Service, Deployments, Units, Thiel College Organizations, Pictures, whether students may contact you, and any other information about your service or time at Thiel that you would be willing to share. We would like to thank you in advance for your service and help with this project. ... the BELL ...
LIVES OF MEANING & PURPOSE
F E AT U R E
Seneca Valley renames middle school in honor of Ryan Gloyer ’04 In February, Seneca Valley School Board officially approved changing the name of Seneca Valley Middle School to Ryan Gloyer Middle School to honor the 2004 Thiel graduate and decorated Green Beret, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in November 2016. Seneca Valley is one of western Pennsylvania’s largest school districts and is about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Gloyer was a psychology and education double major who graduated from Thiel College with honors and won the College’s Young Alumni Award in 2007. Gloyer’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with V device, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger tab and the Special Forces tab. He served the Army as a member of the elite Special Forces Green Berets. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan. Gloyer also served a tour in Africa in Chad.
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AMONG THIEL’S NOTABLE SERVICE MEMBERS
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1
Howard Chambers ’43 Branch: Marines
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Chauncey Bly (former Thiel College president) Branch: Army Service: 1942-43
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Norman Michael Guenther ’59 Branch: Air Force Rank: Major (04) Service: 1960-80
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Carol VanSchenkhof ’69 Branch: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Service: 1986-2006
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Charles Page ’70 Branch: Air Force Rank: Captain, Pilot Service: 1970-75
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Brian Stamm ’88 Branch: Navy Rank: Captain/USN (O-6) Service: 1994-current
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Brittany Dell ’12 Branch: Army Reserves Rank: Sergeant/E5 Service: 2013-current
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John Turner ’15 Branch: Marines Rank: Corporal (E-4) Service: 2012-18
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AT H L E T I C S
VO R M E LK E R S CO R E S
1,000 P INT TH
E N RO UTE TO NATIO NAL PR E STIG E Basketball ability, academic prowess, community service by Ed Topoleski ’02 Congratulatory signs lined the walls and ribbons donned the hand rails at Beeghly Gymnasium. Thiel administrators, faculty, staff, the student body and alumni were in attendance. So too were No. 20’s parents, Steve and Kelley, her brother, Jake, family friends and her high school basketball coach, Kim Triskett. Jess Vormelker ’19 became the 15th player in Thiel women’s basketball history to score 1,000 career points Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 with 5:57 remaining in the first quarter against the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets. After receiving a pass offset right of the top of the key, she drove to the hoop with her right hand and finished with a soft layup that kissed the glass and swayed the twine on the way down. “I started to get a little nervous when people started to pile in,” said the junior guard, who still seems to be not completely comfortable with the welldeserved national attention she has received. “It was so surreal. You dream about something your whole life, and for it to come true is just amazing.
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“I tried not to cry but tears of joy came out. Looking up at the stands, everyone was standing up, and it was just really cool. It just showed how many people love and support me. The fact that I meant that much to them really means a lot.” Vormelker led the Presidents’ Athletic Conference during the regular season in points (494), 3-point shots (79) and finished tied for the most rebounds (238). Her 494 points ranked fifth in school single-season history, and her 238 rebounds ranked ninth. Vormelker is seven points out of eighth place. Tricia Kosenina ’93 leads all scorers with 2,086 points. Vormelker went on to be named to the All-PAC Second Team and the ... the BELL ...
D3hoops.com Great Lakes All-Region Third Team. She was a two-time AllPAC Honorable Mention selection prior to her junior season. On-court prowess is only part of the Orwell, Ohio native’s story. She excels in the classroom and is a leader on campus and in the community. Vormelker carries a 3.77 cumulative grade-point average. She was twice named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll and has qualified for the Dean’s List each of her five semesters. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honorary, and the National Society of Leadership and Success, the nation’s largest leadership honor society.
AT H L E T I C S A graduate of Grand Valley High School, Vormelker was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District First Team. She was also named the PAC StudentAthlete Advisory Committee ScholarAthlete of the Month in December of 2017. On campus, Vormelker is the president of Thiel’s SAAC and serves as a resident assistant and as a mentor in the Department of Education. Vormelker is an active volunteer with Akron Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring hope to the next generation through educational and leadership opportunities, and delivers Christmas presents to students of Title 1 schools in and around Akron, Ohio. She also volunteers at the Chad Cooke Classic, an annual Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournament in Chicago, named after her cousin, Chad Cooke, who passed away on Dec. 23, 2014. ChadEffect of Chicagoland, a non-profit organization that provides support and scholarships to under resourced youth, was inspired by Cooke, a NCAA Division I player at the College of Charleston. It is the sum of Vormelker’s efforts that led to her most prestigious honor of the season—being named one of 10 finalists for The Jostens Trophy, a national award created by the Rotary
See highlight clip of Vormelker’s 1,000th-point at http://bit.ly/ TCVormelker1000 Club of Salem (Va.) to honor the most outstanding men’s and women’s NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The Jostens Trophy takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess, and community service. The Jostens Trophy models the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self” by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete.
An early childhood/special education major, Vormelker is passionate about working with and helping kids. Upon graduation next spring, she may also be interested in pursuing a career as a collegiate basketball coach. But before that, she has one more season to look forward to and one more opportunity to cement her legacy. “I want us to get over the hump and be a contender in the conference,” Vormelker said describing her goal for the team next season. “Be a hard-nosed team that works really hard.” It’s a formula that has worked well for No. 20.
“Jess has brought so many great qualities to our basketball program,” said head coach Rob Clune, who was inducted into the Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame last May. “Her constant quest to improve as a basketball player, as a student and as a community leader has enabled her to reach extreme heights. “Jess has unmatched passion as a basketball player, and she has proven to be one of the best players in the conference. She continues to set individual and team goals that could make her one of the great players in the history of the program.”
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VORMELKER
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AT H L E T I C S
Wrestling team honored by NWCA The National Wrestling Coaches Association released its Top 30 Division III All-Academic teams and Scholar All-Americans for the 2017-18 season in March.
Thiel’s wrestling team ranked 14th in Division III with a team grade-point average of 3.4878. The Tomcats were the only team from the Presidents’ Athletic Conference to make the top 30. To determine a team’s grade-point average for the NWCA, six grade-point averages must come from competitors who participated at the team’s regional championship. Four other wrestlers’ grade-point averages may also be used in
calculating the team’s overall grade-point average as long as they competed in at least 50 percent of the team’s matches. The 10 wrestlers who comprised Thiel’s team grade-point average included: Cory Bable ‘21, Tyler Brooks ‘21, Gavin Colligan ‘19, Dominic Farabaugh ‘19, Gage Gladysz ‘20, Vincent Mion ‘19, Matthew O’Connor ‘20, John Sims ‘20, Devan Van Vliet ‘20 and Justin Walter ‘19. “One of our team goals every year is to finish in the top 30 for overall team GPA in the country,” said veteran wrestling coach Craig Thurber. “The guys on the team take their education very seriously. To finish 14th is an outstanding accomplishment and I am extremely proud of them all. Being able to balance academics and athletics is very challenging, and I applaud them for doing it so well.”
Gladysz earns Scholar All-American status for second time In addition to the team’s academic success, Gage Gladysz ’20, a sophomore heavyweight and Greenville native, was named a Scholar All-American by the NWCA for the second time in his career. A neuroscience major, Gladysz maintains a 3.77 cumulative grade-point average. Gladysz went 15-6 in 2017-18 and finished sixth in the 285-pound bracket at the NCAA Southeast Regional in February. He qualified for the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at 197 pounds as a first-year student in 2016-17. “Gage is a very competitive person in anything he chooses to do,” coach Craig Thurber said. “His academic performance and wrestling achievements reflect that. This is his second consecutive year being named to the NWCA Scholar-AllAmerican team, and I am proud of him for setting that standard for our team. We have a number of individuals that could achieve this in the next couple of years. We are looking forward to continued academic success for this group, along with success on the mats.”
and one of the following: qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships with a winning percentage of at least .500; place in the top six at their respective regional tournament with a winning percentage of at least .500; own at least a 67 percent season winning percentage. They must also have competed in at least 50 percent of the team’s matches. Gladysz, who missed the beginning of his sophomore season with an injury, finished second at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Wrestling Championships in February. After finishing his undergraduate work, Gladysz plans to attend graduate school and eventually pursue a doctorate.
To qualify as a NWCA Scholar All-American, a wrestler must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher 22
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AT H L E T I C S
NCAA selects Kaufman for Emerging Leaders Seminar Thiel College assistant director of sports information Jim Kaufman was selected to the attend the NCAA’s Emerging Leaders Seminar Jan. 24-26 at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis. Kaufman applied for the seminar in October and was accepted as an attendant in December. The NCAA covered the cost of hotel accommodations, meals, programs and program materials at the ELS. The ELS is an annual professional development event that provides effective leadership, educational and transitional programming for more than 200 graduate assistants and interns from NCAA member schools, conference offices and affiliate organizations across Divisions I, II and III. The three-day program educates, develops and connects participants, and provides an avenue for rapid career progression within collegiate athletics. “It was a great opportunity for Jim to attend the NCAA’s Emerging Leaders Seminar,” said Ed Topoleski ’02, who serves as Thiel’s associate director of athletics and director of sports information. “Jim aspires to serve in an athletic administrator’s role one day, and having the chance to work alongside tomorrow’s leaders will certainly help him as he plots his future career path.”
Kaufman was hired as Thiel’s assistant sports information director in February 2017. A former NCAA Division II student-athlete at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Kaufman relished the opportunity to attend the ELS. ELS participants learned what type of leader they are, and how to interact with those with different styles. Speakers at this year’s ELS included NCAA Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Oliver Luck, along with a host of other top administrators from the NCAA, conference offices and member institutions. “I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard that I was selected to attend the ELS,” he said. “Ever since I made my career change to work in college athletics, I have been trying to show that I belong and make the most out of every opportunity. My experiences at Thiel prepared me for the ELS because I felt like I had just as much to contribute to conversations as did individuals from schools from the major power five conferences with major national exposure. “I went into the ELS with a completely open mind and tried to soak in as
much information as I could so I can continue to grow and develop as a leader at Thiel College.” Kaufman, a Pittsburgh native, is pursuing a master’s degree in sport management at California University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in intercollegiate athletic administration. He anticipates fulfilling his degree requirements in December.
“ My experiences at Thiel prepared me for the ELS because
I felt like I had just as much to contribute to conversations as did individuals from schools from the major power five conferences with major national exposure.”
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A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR OF
A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S Fellow Thiel College Alumni: In February of 1979 at a high school in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, I was called to the guidance counselor’s office for a senior year review. In summary, I said I was headed into the job market and my guidance counselor said I should take a look at four colleges. Not sure if Thiel College found me or I found Thiel, but by May 1983, someone in charge said I had earned a degree. Fast forward 35 years and I applied for and was selected to be the next Director of Alumni Relations. That is my story, and I am sticking to it. If you want more than an elevator discussion on the past 39 years, call me.
Here are some ways to stay connected: LinkedIn: Please join the Thiel College alumni group and follow the Thiel College page. Facebook: If you are a part of any Thiel College alumni or group page let me know. Also, follow the Thiel College Facebook page. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about upcoming events, keep in touch with classmates, post updates on news in your world, and more.
I have enjoyed my first months in my new role and have made connections with members of many class years. As your Director of Alumni Relations, I am ready to help build and strengthen our beloved Thiel College Alumni Association. To that end, please help all Tomcats take the next step by remaining involved in the life of the College. We can have an immediate impact on the success of our alma mater, its current students and our alumni community in small and large ways.
Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat: Facebook is not the only social media site where you can interact with the College and other alumni. The College also posts updates to those popular channels.
The Alumni Office hosts events, programs and volunteer opportunities both locally as well as nationally. I would like to encourage all my fellow alumni to stay connected!
Update your profile: A network is only as strong as those who participate in it! If your information is not updated, your former classmates cannot connect with you. Update your profile now on the Thiel College website!
David Hummel ’83 Director of Alumni Relations
Connect with David: Email: alumni@thiel.edu Phone: 724-589-2027 Mail: 24
That invitation is not just for people who want to know more about the last 39 years! I would like to reach out to each and everyone one of you on behalf of the Alumni Office. I began my new role as Director of Alumni Relations on Feb. 1, Founders’ Day. At www.thiel.edu, I found, “The first official Founders’ Day was held on February 2, 1876—in celebration of the birthday of Barbara Thiel. The Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award is named after Louis and Barbara Thiel, whose generosity made possible the founding of Thiel College in 1866. Their work was blessed with success, they faithfully served family, community and church.” Let’s continue the tradition the Thiels started more than 150 years ago and continue to faithfully serve.
75 College Avenue Greenville, Pa. 16125
P.S. I would also like to see if there is any interest in having five- and 10-year reunions. I have heard rumblings from the Class of ’83 that it is time for a 35th reunion. The Alumni Office can be a point of contact and help you engage members of your class for a 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, or 45-year reunion. If you are interested in putting together any class reunions, please let me know by July 1, 2018. Thiel Alumni We still have room in the Class of 2022 and alumni scholarships are going fast! Send your referrals to http://bit.ly/tcreferafriend. ... the BELL ...
THIEL COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PROFILE OF DISTINCTION Paul Runge ’70 builds and maintains institutional investment management relationships with large pension, endowment, and foundation funds throughout the United States. His expertise is in Asset Allocation, Impact/ ESG, and Low Volatility investing. Prior to joining Community Capital Management LLC as Head of Distribution, he worked at Analytic Investors LLC, Citibank NA, BNP/Paribas and other companies in various investment banking capacities around the world. He graduated from Thiel with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, he was active in the Thiel Choir and several campus organizations revolving around the arts. He is an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon national fraternity. As a Thiel Trustee, he chairs the Investment Sub-Committee of the Finance and Investment Committee and serves on the Academic Affairs, and Facilities, Physical Plant and IT committees. Runge and his wife, Maryellen, live near San Francisco.
Why is being a trustee important?
What does the future for the College look like?
One of the most valuable experiences of my life was attending Thiel College and the people I met there. I try to be a positive influence on the Board so as to ensure current students have the enhanced educational/social experience I had.
The relevancy of a liberal arts college education is often debated in the press. But the reality remains that Thiel graduates have had an uncanny ability to achieve their goals throughout their lives. That certain “something else” benefit from an education at Thiel has successfully evolved for more than 150 years, and continues to positively impact lives and careers like no other college can.
It has also been a singular pleasure to serve on the Board of Trustees with four of my Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers and remain a key volunteer to our chapter’s alumni volunteer corporation board.
Why should alumni give back? It’s an enjoyable and valuable endeavor that keeps us connected to Thiel in a very positive way. One only need consider the transformative possibilities of our recently completed capital campaign, which raised more than $65 million (!), the recent completion of the Haer Family Science and Arts Connector, and the Sports Complex.
What advice would you offer students? In my experience so far (I’m only 70!), I concur with an excerpt from an epigram by Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr: “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” (See, I was paying attention in French class in 1968!) I hope that every student endeavors to take complete advantage of all Thiel has to offer—both academic and cocurricular. Those four years at Thiel will never be replicated and cannot be replaced.
What do you like best about Thiel today? I am constantly bowled over by the positivity, dedication and professionalism of our faculty and staff. It is visible in everything they do, and we are very lucky to have that kind of leadership, talent, energy, and academic credibility that they all bring to campus every day.
What do you try to do every time you are on campus? Having been a member of the Thiel Choir, I try to get to a choir rehearsal while I’m on campus. It’s great fun to hear what they are preparing and certainly brings back great memories for me. Likewise, I also try to catch up with the current members of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Paul Runge ’70Hometown: Orinda, Calif.
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Family: Married 38 years to Maryellen
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CLASS NOTES
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1960s
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Wil Gessler ’63 retired as a Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after 20 years of teaching geography. After publishing numerous scholarly books and articles, Gessler has published his first fiction book, “Missionaries and Indians” based on his experiences of growing up the child of Lutheran missionaries in India and on his various world travels. Since his retirement, he has lived with his wife in England, most recently at the edge of the Lake District.
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1970s
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Joseph T. Nairn ’79 became the President of a startup two-year college in northwestern Pa. The Rural Regional College was approved in May 2017, and Nairn has been leading the effort to establish the college and gain candidacy for regional accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Joseph and his wife, Terri, welcomed a granddaughter, Ashley Nairn, on Sept. 6, 2017.
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Sean D. Detar ’98 completed his first year in a new job as an application architect in AMG Engineering in PNC Financial Services Technology and Innovation. Detar and his wife, Sarah, moved into a new home this past November.
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Paul Steffens ’70 recently earned the Seton Hall University’s Stillman School’s Adjunct Professor Excellence Award for the 2017-2018 Academic Year.
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1980s
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Philip V. Dan Jr. ’80 retired from Firestone in 2008 and continues to work part-time for the company. Susan J. McFeaters, Ph.D. ’84 has been teaching full time since August 2015 at Western New Mexico University in the Masters of Social Work Program. Brian J. Stamm ’87 was promoted to Navy Captain (06) in September 2016.
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1990s
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2000s
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Amber M. Allen ’00 was elected to the Board of Directors for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists for a four-year term that started in January 2017. Allen speaks at numerous national and state level sleep medical conferences and resides in Texas. Madison (Kendera) Anderson ’09 began a new job at VWR International as a sales associate. Garrett Anderson ’10 is the funeral director/owner for Kennedy-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Madison and Garrett reside in Cresson, Pa. with their son. Heather M. (Achenbach) Balas ’01 was named President of the Western Pennsylvania Career Services Association, Professional Development Chair and Conference Programming Chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers. Balas is also the Service Unit Leader for Jamestown Pa.’s Girl Scout troop.
CLASS NOTES
Annette de Lourdes Rodriguez Carreras ’08 graduated with a Masters in Public Health focusing in policy and management from Kent State University in December 2017. She was accepted and will attend the University of Akron School of Law in fall 2018. She will release her debut young adult novel, “Lifeforce.” She lives in Greenville and is a care partner at St. Paul’s.
Brothers and friends of Delta Sigma Phi gathered to reconnect at Hofbrauhaus in Pittsburgh on March 31.
Angela (Shade) Holden ’09 and her family now reside in Beaver, Pa. Debra (Brut) Roberts ’00 was called to serve as the Executive Director of Lutherlyn in October 2017. Shaunte M. Rogers ‘07 received her Masters of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. She is now a licensed counselor.
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2010s
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Keeley J. E. Criswell ’15 is a student at the University of Arizona. Heather J. (White) Keppler ’11 is working at LifeSkills, Inc. as a PDA Support Broker and resides with her family in Bowling Green, Kent. Joseph F. (Hertzog) Klinger ’13 completed seminary at The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. On Jan. 20, 2018, he was ordained by Bishop Clair Burkat of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Thiel alumni and faculty in attendance included Director of Langenheim Memorial Library Allen Morrill, Campus Pastor Jayne Thompson, Elizabeth Koerner ’16, and Rachel Doddato. Kristina Mitchell ’10 lives in Davidsonville, Md. and works at Providence Center, Inc. as a quality assurance manager.
Nicole H. Perra ’16 is a speech language pathologist assistant at Windsor School in the Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union. Elliott Beach ’15 and Kelley Bellia ’15 got engaged Dec. 23, 2017. The couple is moving to Lynchburg, Va. for Kelley to start medical school at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Justin T. Munz ’10 accepted a new position as assistant director of residence life at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University– Prescott (Ariz.).
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CLASS NOTES
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marriages
— Leah A. (Mantick) Mayhugh ’14 and Justin Mayhugh ’14 were married Nov. 11, 2017, at Risen Lord Parish. A number of Thiel alumni attended. Leah is a rehab aide at UPMC. The couple resides in Pittsburgh.
Jean E. (Johnson) Phillips ’71 and John Phillips married June 17, 2017. Scott Jackson ’91 and Stephen Guggenheim were married recently. The couple resides in Fairfield, Calif. Scott is a speech-language pathologist at NorthBay Healthcare System, and Stephen is a realtor (Guggenheim Realty) and opera singer. Melissa (Jarvie) Fox ’04 and Joe Fox married Oct. 13, 2017, at Succop Nature Park. Katie North Caldwell ’04 was matron of honor. Melissa is a first grade teacher at Mars Area School District in Butler County. The couple resides in Trafford, Pa. Melissa R. (Spence) Rumburd ’10 and Kyfer Rumburd ’10 were married Sept. 29, 2017, at the Pittsburgh Aviary. They met at Thiel College during their first year and have been together since. Sarah L. DiFrango ’11 and David J. Kane Jr. ’ 11 were married Oct. 7, 2017. Also in attendance were Thiel alumni Jenna Hionas ’10, Nicole Zovack ’11, Brian Newmeyer ’11, David Diyorio ’10 and Justin Scarpitti ’11.
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Alexa (Weaver) Fusselman ’13 and Weston Fusselman were married May 20, 2017.
CLASS NOTES
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births
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To Victoria (Hunt) Richert ’98 and Peter Richert an adopted boy, Emilio. To Andrew T. Tremel ’06 and Anna Maurer Tremel a son, Gerard Thomas Tremel II, on May 22, 2017. Andrew works as a visitor guide for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The couple resides in Springfield, Va. To Chris Dunham ’09 and Morgan (Puckrin) Dunham ‘09 along with big sister, Blake, a son and brother, Nolan, born on Oct. 19, 2017. To Jacob L. Gregor ’18 and Caitlin E. Robbins, a daughter, Adylin Mae, on Jan. 4.
RELIVE THE MEMORIES! Class of 1968 — 50 Year Reunion It seems like just yesterday, in some respects, that we navigated up or down Brother Martin’s Walk during our first week at Thiel…sometimes in the wrong direction. We were anxious to get started on our new adventure and hoped not to be late to class. We found that almost everyone said “Hi” and was helpful. We all have that one similar memory in common. Our class has experienced a great deal in the past 50 years—careers, graduate school, Vietnam, children, grandchildren, marriage, divorce, bought and sold homes, and perhaps retirement. Now, it is time to add another great experience. Let’s catch up with many of the friends we made at Thiel by joining together for our 50th college reunion! Homecoming 2018 is Sept. 28-30. Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 1-2 p.m. | Campus Tour 2-4 p.m. | Wine Tasting
Saturday, Sept. 29 8:30-10 a.m. | Reunion Breakfast & Class Photo 1:30-2 p.m. | Ride in Homecoming Parade 3 p.m. | Reserved Seating at Football Game
A small reunion committee has been created and any ideas you have to make Homecoming 2018 a fun and memorable weekend are truly appreciated. This is our weekend and Thiel wants to make it very special for each of us. Please contact Director of Alumni Relations David Hummel ‘83 at dhummel@thiel.edu or 724-589-2027. To Kelsey (Wise) M. Montozzi ’15 and Benjamin Montozzi ‘16 identical twin girls, Ava Grace and Aubree Faith, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2017.
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gatherings
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Stephanie (Smith) Shanahan ’81 reports that every year a group of Chi Omegas from Thiel do a girls vacation. This past summer they went to Bemus Point, N.Y. where two of the alumni live year round. At the “She Shed” of Amy (Wickerham) Montgomery ’83 are seated (L-R): Eileen (Field) Kadilak ’82, Sue (Guca) Funderlich ’83, Leslie (Vick) Evans ’82, Amy Cadwell ’83; middle row: Amy (Wickerham) Montgomery ’83, Stephanie (Smith) Shanahan ’81; back row: Debbie (Woodring) Kidwell ’82, Laurie (Ahl) Wickerham ’81, RoseAnn Delldonna ’81, Ann Swanson ’84, Lynn Carlson ’81, Nettie Knott ’79. . . . S P R I N G/S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 . . .
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CAMPUS EVENTS
2018-2019 Music & Theater events schedule
October 27, 2018 Greenville Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center October 30, 2018 Greenville Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert, 10 a.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center November 9-11, 2018 The Christians, by Lucas Hnath 7:30 p.m. Fri & Sat; 2 p.m. Sun William A. Robinson Theater November 27, 2018 Con Spirito Chamber Music Series Alexander Gavrylyuk, Pianist, 7 p.m. David Johnson Memorial Chapel December 2, 2018 Thiel College Christmas Festival, 4 p.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center
December 4, 2018 Music Recital, 7:30 p.m. David Johnson Memorial Chapel
April 7, 2019 Concert Band & Choir, 7 p.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center
January 31, 2019 High School Shakespeare Festival William A. Robinson Theater
April 16, 2019 Music Recital, 7:30 p.m. David Johnson Memorial Chapel
February 23, 2019 Greenville Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert, 3 p.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center
April 27 Kaló taksídi! (Bon Voyage!) Concert, 7:30 p.m. William A. Robinson Theater Featuring Jazz Band, Jazz Cats, and Thiel Players
March 21, 2019 Con Spirito Chamber Music Series Dorian Wind Quintet David Johnson Memorial Chapel March 29- 31, 2019 Next to Normal, by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey, 7:30 p.m. Fri & Sat; 2 p.m. Sun William A. Robinson Theater
May 18, 2019 Greenville Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m. William A. Passavant Memorial Center
Common Hour will dedicate time for campus community to come together A new Common Hour Program begins this fall. No academic classes or athletic practices will be scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Thursdays. Special programming for students, faculty, staff and administration and will occur during this time. This program will run for the next three academic years. An assessment of the program will be conducted during the fall 2020 semester. This proposal has been developed to facilitate communication and engagement across campus, said Vice President of 30
Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Liz Frombgen, Ph.D. Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. will also be a period reserved without academic classes and athletic practices. Chapel services will be scheduled during this time. The first Common Hour Program event will be Opening Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 30. This special event, previously held during new student Welcome Weekend, will now begin the academic year for all students.
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CLASS NOTES
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in memoriam
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A REMEMBRANCE OF ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE WHO HAVE RECENTLY PASSED. Betty Lou Artman ’43 Jane A. Ayre ’74 Richard Bailey Jenelyn (Clapie) C. Baker ’51 Robert Hershey Baker, M.D. H’12 Betty Barber Fay A. Barca John N. Barthen ’74 Richard L. Bestwick Birgit E. Birkland Judith E. Boal Kenneth P. Brant ’72 Jeffery B. Brooks ’66 Ella B. Bush Rebecca S. Candela
Helen Canter Henry T. Cocain ’57 John P. Dawes Herbert D. Dubler ’60 William L. Egbert Dustin Fletcher Harry Grabb Julia Graham Alan K. Heineman ’62 John H. Lewis ’79 Vivian (Loncoske) Lowther ’35 Wilma K. Lugg Eric Mason Carole (Isacsen) Mastrianni ’66 Toni Marie McElhinny
Oldest alumna Vivian Lowther ’35 passes away Vivian (Loncoske) A. Lowther ’35 passed away on Feb. 9, 2018. She was 103 years old. She was believed to be the oldestliving Thiel College alumnus at the time of her passing. She graduated in 1935 with a degree in French. She met her husband, Bill ’33, at Thiel College. She was featured in a Thiel College video in 2016. She reminisced about her time at Thiel and closed the video with some advice for current students. Lowther was born and raised in Ridgway, Pa. According to her obituary, Lowther cherished her participation in the French and Drama Clubs and, her senior year, was elected “May Queen.” She lived in Morristown, N.J. at the time of her passing.
Watch the video: http://bit.ly/tclowtherspotlight
Robert C. McGinnis ’50 Donna McWhirter William McWhirter, M.D. Samuel C. Mullin ‘52 Kenneth C. Robson ’71 William H. Shine Bonnie (Youkers) Sowers ’61 Doris Stenson ’87 Jeffrey Stephens David C. Tankoos ’74 Letitia (Montgomery) Jane Watkinson ’49 Elaine M. Woloshyn ’74 Martin M. Yanik ’75 Deanna M. R. Yarboro Arthur H. Young ’57
Elaine Woloshyn ’74 died Dec. 25, 2017. An active student while at Thiel, she continued her work for her alma mater as a member of the Board of Associates from 1995 to 2001 and the Thiel College Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2014. As a trustee she was instrumental in helping the Board understand and define its role in the governance of the College and helped re-write the by-laws to better reflect the Thiel College of the 21st Century. In 1991, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her professional accomplishments. Her father, Eugene Woloshyn ’39 instilled in her a love of Thiel that she shared with her sister, Evonne ’76. In addition to her sister, she is survived by her husband, Richard Stahl, and a brother. They have established a fund at Thiel College in her memory. Robert Hershey Baker, M.D. H’12, 95, of Greenville, passed away on April 25, 2018. Baker was awarded the Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award in 2002. For more than 40 years, he was a team physician to Thiel College’s athletic teams. He was awarded an honorary degree during the 2012 Commencement Exercises and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
. . . S P R I N G/S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 . . .
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THE FINAL WORD
Doing what you love; loving what you do. Archivist remembers professors who lived and passed on that credo By John Hauser ’71 If you aren’t one of the almost 50 percent of people who are estimated to start their reading at the back of a magazine, you have learned about some alumni who have found their passions and pursued them, to their (and others’) benefit. As a student at Thiel from 1967-1971, I was so fortunate to have several professors who not only did what they loved, they loved what they did. Professors like Mrs. Evelyn Baer, Dr. James Bloomfield, Dr. William Good, Mr. Robert Herring, Dr. Robert Olson ’60, H’09, Dr. James Shaffer, and Dr. Georgianne Stary came to the classroom ready to teach, to inspire and to share their love for their subject matter with the hope that their students would leave that class session excited about what they had learned and eager to learn more. And while I never took a course from him, Professor David Miller ’61 has done that with the thousands of students he has taught and advised over the past 50-plus years. I am sure that most alumni will have several professors who demonstrated their love for what they did, inspiring their students to achieve more than either professor or student dreamed. That the above-mentioned professors were from different disciplines speaks to the greatness of having a liberal arts education.
“ While we may not realize it at the time, our
professors had a tremendous impact upon our lives—both professionally and personally.” You don’t have to be a major in English to have had the benefit of Mrs. Baer’s wisdom and counsel and the insights from her reading “The Velveteen Rabbit” to the class or be a history major to hear Dr. Olson’s lectures on Native American history. But all of them were taught with a zeal for the subject
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matter that was infectious and caused many students to rethink why they were in college and what lay ahead of them. Even if you didn’t choose a different path to pursue, think how much better your life has been because you were exposed to so varied a course selection. Some of these classes were required for graduation and some might have been elective that were outside of your major. What you learned may not be able to be recalled when asked in a Jeopardy-like game show but they contributed to a whole, well-rounded education. And that is why, in addition to the expected career paths for all majors, we have political science majors who become CEOs of hundred-million dollar corporations, biology majors who are responsible for bringing diverse entities from all over the globe into the same data processing system for the parent company, psychology majors who become hospital administrators, and physics majors who become international telecommunications executives. Not only do they have the internal drive that motivates them to excel in what they do and personalities that enable them to advance in their careers, they come from a liberal arts background and thus are able to analyze the problems they encounter, think through possible solutions and present them in a way that is logical and persuasive. This comes from having taken courses in many different areas from professors who are passionate about their subject matter and the desire to impart what they know to others. While we may not realize it at the time, our professors had a tremendous impact upon our lives—both professionally and personally. I hope you will think of those professors who influenced what you did with your career as well as your life in your community and your family. We owe them a great deal of thanks for doing what they loved and loving what they did.
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